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Yoon says he's on track with rest of O's pitchers

Dan Duquette, Buck Showalter and pitcher Suk-min Yoon talk about the pitcher signing a three-year deal with the Orioles

By Adam Berry and Brittany Ghiroli
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MLB.com |

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Right-hander Suk-min Yoon threw his first bullpen session with the Orioles on Thursday and said Friday he's on track with the rest of Baltimore's pitchers.

"I threw nice and easy. My control was good, and it was better than I expected," Yoon said through interpreter Justin Yoo. "I'm on pace and everyone's been very welcoming, so that's also helped me get on pace."

Yoon, whose arsenal includes a fastball, slider, changeup and curveball, said he expects to throw another side session on Saturday. Most Orioles pitchers have begun throwing with hitters tracking pitches in the batter's box and will start throwing live batting practice Saturday. Yoon said he won't face hitters in Saturday's bullpen, though.

Yoon, signed to a three-year deal, said he hasn't been told yet whether he'll work as a starter or reliever for the Orioles.

Overall, Yoon seems to be taking his first experience in the United States in stride, saying Friday morning that he's not intimidated "at all" by the idea of pitching in the Majors after spending nine seasons with the KIA Tigers in the Korean Baseball Organization.

"This is my first Spring Training here, but baseball is baseball anywhere you go," Yoon said. "You've got some of the best players here, so spring camp has been very good."